James Golding has survived cancer twice and gone on to break an incredible cycling record.

Now the Rugby cyclist is set to take on his next big biking task for charity - the whole 1,136km route of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, from Wales to London.

In 2017, James broke the world record for the distance cycled in seven days, clocking up 1,766.2 miles.

An incredible achievement, not least because he has recovered from cancer twice and survived a road accident in the US in 2010 – while taking part in a charity ride to celebrate the first anniversary of his all-clear from cancer.

James Golding has survived cancer twice and gone on to break an incredible cycling record

It’s been more than six years since James’s final cancer treatment. Now he’s gearing up to take on the charity ride alongside Phil Jones MBE – managing director of technology giant Brother UK. The pair will complete each stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain one day prior to the professionals getting into the saddle.

The route begins at Pembrey Country Park in Wales, heading all the way to London over eight days, beginning on September 1 and calling in to Warwickshire along the way.

Genuine guys

The aim is to raise £50,000 and all the funds will go to the Dave Rayner Fund - a voluntary organisation supporting young British riders racing abroad.

“Phil’s one of those outright genuine guys,” said James. “I’ve known him for a number of years, and he’s guided me through a lot of situations to do with business and reaching a lot of my goals.

“In that time he’s become a great friend.

“The ride and the £50k target was his idea. Both he and his company turn 50 this year, so it’s a nice number to aim for.

Very fortunate

“It’s a nice validation because the outreach of a lot of my work is unquantifiable. You never know how many people you’re helping,” he said.

James Golding from Rugby is taking on the OVO Energy Tour of Britain route

“These kinds of awards always have a certain warmth, but the biggest thing is being able to ride my bike. It’s got me through a very difficult situation. That’s up there with the wife and kids.

“I’m very fortunate. I don’t win scratch cards, but I’ve beaten cancer twice and our second child was born this year. Having kids is another thing I was told would never happen but we’ve hit the jackpot.”

Stage 4 of the race will see James and Phil come through Warwickshire on September 5, beginning in Nuneaton and ending in Leamington. The 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain gets under way the following day.